Loader Comprising Arm Sections that Have a Space that Runs Along the Arm in Which Tubes or Cables are Arranged

ABSTRACT

The present invention concerns a loader comprising two extended arms arranged parallel to each other, one end of which can be connected to a vehicle and the other end of which can be connected to a tool. At least one arm comprises a space that runs along the arm in which tubes or cables are arranged that make it possible to transport at least one of electricity, hydraulic agent and pneumatic agent, from the vehicle to the various parts of the loader or the tool and from the various parts of the loader or the tool to the vehicle.

The present invention concerns a loader according to the introduction toclaim 1.

Vehicles, usually tractors used for various types of work, for examplelifting work, are previously known. The vehicles are normally providedwith a construction, for example, a base, fastening irons, brackets, orsimilar, on which an arm construction, usually known as a “loader” ismounted.

The loader is an extended construction, an arm construction, thatconnects a vehicle with a tool, and that makes possible movement of thetool relative to the vehicle. The loader comprises two arms arrangedparallel to each other, which in turn comprise extended arm sections,parallel struts, linkage systems and joints. The loader has at one ofits ends, the end that is facing towards the vehicle, two parts,arranged parallel to each other and terminating the arms, to whichcylinders and other arm parts are attached. These are known as “bearingboxes”. Each bearing box is mounted onto, connects with, the vehicle.

The loader has at its second end, the foremost end, the end that facesaway from the vehicle, towards the working area, an attachmentarrangement that makes it possible to attach equipment at the outermostend of the loader. A short distance up on or into the loader, above thetool, there is a transverse constructional part, a transverse strut or atransverse tube, arranged between the two arms of the loader. Thetransverse strut provides stability for the arm construction and it alsooffers an attachment region for a valve housing that makes it possibleto connect control and regulatory units for the operation of theequipment.

Tubes and cables that attach to equipment, a tool, that is arranged atthe attachment arrangement at the outer end of the loader, for controland regulatory units on the tractor lie on the outer surface of the armsof the loader and follow these surfaces. Also connections between valvehousings and tubes or cables are located outside of the loader, in theworking region of the loader. The tubes, cables and connections riskbecoming trapped within parts of the loader and the vehicle, andbecoming trapped in objects within the working space of the loader. Thetubes, cables and connections tend to become covered with snow and dirt,which creates unsatisfactory hygienic conditions, increases wear andplaces limitations on the movements of the loader. The tubes, cables andconnections also obstruct the view of the driver.

One aim of the present invention is to offer a loader with a design thatis such that the problems described above are solved.

This aim is achieved with a loader comprising the technical propertiesthat are specified in the characterising part of claim 1.

The invention will be described in more detail below, with reference tothe drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a loader according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a first arm section and, partially, a second arm section ona loader according to the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a second arm section and a transversely placedconstructional part on a loader according to the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a transversely placed constructional part on a loaderaccording to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a loader 1 according to the present invention. The loader 1is constituted by an extended construction, an arm construction,comprising two arms 2 a and 2 b arranged parallel to each other. Eacharm 2 a and 2 b comprises an extended arm section 3. The extended armsection 3 comprises a first and a second extended arm section 3.1 and3.2, which are connected to each other or that constitute one singleunit. The first arm section 3.1 is directed towards or is turned towardsa vehicle, not shown in the drawing, and the second arm section 3.2 isdirected towards the free end of the loader. The two arm sections 3.1and 3.2, their longitudinal axes L1 and L2, are placed at an angle a,which is less than 180°, relative to each other, the angle beingmeasured in a vertical plane in the longitudinal direction of theloader.

The loader 1, the arms 2 a and 2 b, comprise control and regulatoryunits 4, for example cylinder arrangements, and connectors, for examplejoints. The parts that are present at several locations of the loader,on both arms, and that have the same design have been given the samereference numerals.

The loader has on one of its sides A, the rear end that faces thevehicle, two parallel parts 6, arranged parallel and next to each otherand terminating the relevant arm 2 a and 2 b, to which the control units4 and the first arm section 3.1 are attached. These parts 6 are known as“bearing boxes”. Each bearing box 6 is mounted on, connects with, thevehicle.

Each first arm section 3.1 extends essentially between the bearing box 6and a connector 5 at each arm 2 a and 2 b.

Each second arm section 3.2 extends between the connector 5 and a secondend B, the free end, the forwards end, of the loader that faces awayfrom the loader with equipment or a tool 7 attached to the loader 1. Anattachment arrangement 8 that makes it possible to attach the equipment7 to the loader 1 is arranged at the forwards end B of the loader 1.

The loader 1 comprises also tubes and cables 9 that make possible thetransport of at least one of electricity, hydraulic driving agent,pneumatic driving agent and other control and driving agents from and tothe vehicle I to and from the various parts of the loaders and the armsand to and from the equipment at the outer end B of the loader. Thetubes 9 are arranged within a space X along one or both of the two arms2 a and 2 b.

The tubes 9 are located within one of the arm sections 3, inside boththe first arm section 3.1 and the second arm section 3.2, as shown inFIG. 2. The tubes 9 in this way lie completely protected and there is norisk that they become trapped in any type of object that is in thevicinity of the loader 1 during its work. Furthermore, there is now nolonger space, or any surfaces, on which dirt or snow can becomeattached, nor can it fall between the tubes 9 and the arms 2 a and 2 b,the arm section 3.

The tubes 9 are arranged within the arm section 3 that, for an observerstanding at the tool 7 and facing the loader 1 or the vehicle, islocated on the left. The tubes 9 can, as an alternative, be located inthe arm section on the right, or in both arm sections. The tubes arepresent solely in the left arm section 3 for remainder of thisdescription.

The first arm section 3.1 is so constructed that it offers a space X1that constitutes a first part of the complete space, inside the armsection, in which the tubes 9 are located and where they are completelyprotected. The space X1 is created in that a beam element 3.1 a,appropriately a “U” beam in order not to provide the loader 1 withunnecessary weight, is welded attached to the normal arm section 3.1, atits lower side 3.1 b. An opening C is located at the end A of the armsection that faces the vehicle, through which tubes 9 enter the spaceX1, when seen in the direction facing out from the vehicle. The openingC in the arm section is provided with a lining 3.1 c of a material thatis softer than the material of the arm section in order to protect thetubes 9 when making contact with the edge of the opening. See FIG. 2.

The second arm section 3.2 is also designed such that it offers an openspace X2, a second part of the total space, within it, in which thetubes 9 are arranged such that they are located fully protected withinthe arm construction also at the second arm section 3.2, inside thespace X2 that is surrounded by and protected by the outer parts of thearm construction. It is appropriate that the second arm section 3.2 isconstituted by a beam element with a closed cross-section. See FIG. 2.

Above the tool attachment 8 there is located an extended constructionalpart 10, which is located transverse relative to the longitudinal axesL2 of the second arm sections, a cross-strut or a cross-tube, arrangedprincipally between the two arms 2 a and 2 b of the loader 1, as shownin FIG. 1. The constructional part 10 connects the two arms 2 a and 2 bwith each other and provides stability to the loader 1. Theconstructional part 10 is attached at its ends 10 a and 10 b to therelevant arm 2 a and 2 b, between the second arm parts 3.2, throughwelding or through another suitable attachment method.

The constructional part 10 offers an attachment region for a valvehousing 11 to which the tubes 9 are connected. The valve housing 11makes it possible to connect control and regulator units 4, for theoperation of the tool 7 attached to the tool attachment 8 or other partsof the loader 1.

The tubes 9 pass through the inner spaces X1 and X2 of the arm sectionand out from the arm section 3, the second arm section 3.2, through anopening D in the inner wall 3 a of the arm section, see FIG. 3. Theopening D in the arm is arranged above the constructional part 10 in adirection towards the vehicle, towards the end A of the loader, whilebeing located at a limited distance from the constructional part 10. Theopening D in the arm is directed towards the space behind theconstructional part 10. The tubes 9 follow subsequently the rear side10B of the constructional part, that side of the constructional part 10that faces the vehicle, up to the valve housing 11. The opening D in thearm is provided with a lining 12, suitably of a material that is softerthat the material of the arm, that covers the hard edges of the holesuch that the tubes 9 are not worn when lying in contact with the edgesof the opening D in the arm.

The arm section 3 is normally manufactured from a metal material, asteel material, and it is appropriate that the linings 3.1 c and 12 aremanufactured from, for example, a plastic material.

The tubes 9 are bent with a large radius of curvature and gently followthe constructional part 10 up to the valve housing 11. The number offree break-points on the tubes 9 is reduced to a minimum, and also wearof the tubes 9 is reduced.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the region around the constructional part 10. Theconstructional part 10 is bent to form a “C” or a “U” along thedirection of its longitudinal extent, and it has two ends 10 a and 10 band a central part 10 c. The constructional part 10 is mounted such thatthe two ends 10 a and 10 b are connected each to an arm 2 a and 2 b. Thecentral part 10 c of the constructional part, the front of theconstructional part, the convexly bent side or surface 10A, is directedtowards the tool attachment 8. The constructional part 10 is a beamelement with a closed cross-section, with open ends and with an openinner space X3, see FIG. 4.

The valve housing 11 is principally placed behind the constructionalpart 10, behind the central part 10 c of the constructional part, in thedirection towards the vehicle, at the rear side of the constructionalpart, the concave side 10B. This location is safer, less exposed.Contacts 12 are arranged at the valve housing 11 and they make itpossible to connect the tubes 9 to the valve housing 11. These contacts12 make possible also the connection of tubes 13 that pass between thevalve housing 11 and the tool 7, control and regulatory units 4, and oneor several accumulators located within the inner space X3 of theconstructional part. (The accumulators are not shown in the drawingssince these are not a part of the invention.) The contacts 12 areprincipally arranged on the upper surface 10C of the constructional partsuch that it is easy to gain access to them when making connections,such that they in this way facilitate simple, easy and rapid connectionof, mainly, the tool 7 to the loader 1.

The valve housing 11, with its spread design and construction, isprincipally located in line with the arms 2 a and 2 b and behind theconstructional part 10.

The tubes 9, which come from the vehicle, are drawn and are led throughat least one of the arms 2 a and 2 b to the valve housing 11. The tubes9 are drawn and are led in through the opening C in the first armsection 3.1, through the space X1 in one of, or in both of, the armsections or sections 3.1, onwards through the space X2 in the second armsection 3.2 and finally out of the arm 2 a, or the arms 2 a and 2 b,through the opening D in the arm in one of the arm sections 3, or inboth of the arm sections 3, in the inner wall 3 a of the arm section.The opening D in the arm is arranged in the direction towards the rearside 10B of the constructional part, above the constructional part 10 inthe direction towards the vehicle, at the end A of the loader.

The tubes 9 follow subsequently the concave side 10B of theconstructional part, the side that faces towards the vehicle, to thevalve housing 11. The tubes 9 are bent with a large radius of curvatureand follow gently the bent shape of the constructional part to the valvehousing 11. The number of free break-points on the tubes 9 will in thisway be reduced and also wear of the tubes will be reduced. Also thetubes 13 that lead onwards away from or towards the valve housing 11either to or from the tool 7, or to or from the control and regulatoryunits 4, follow the concave rear surface 10B of the constructional partas much as is possible.

Coverings 14 a-14 c are arranged over the tubes 9 and the valve housing11 and they cover these and parts of the constructional part 10, suchthat they are protected and are not freely accessible for the elements,see FIG. 4. The covering that is shown is divided into several parts,where each part covers a particular region. Two coverings 14 a and 14 bare arranged at each end 10 a and 10 b of the constructional part, overthe region at which the tubes 9 come out from and go into the armsections 3. A third covering 14 c covers the valve housing 11 and thecables 9 and 13 that pass to and from the valve housing 11. Thecoverings 14 a-14 c also hold the cables 9 and 13 in place such thatthey do not enter the field of view of the driver or obstruct the view.

The coverings 14 a-14 c protect the cables 9 and 13 and they determinetheir positions. It is appropriate that the coverings 14 a-14 c have aprincipally plane shape and are of a plastic material or a sheet metalmaterial that at least can withstand the load placed on it by a personwho stands on the constructional part 10, together with one or more ofthe coverings.

The coverings or any one covering may also form a single cover throughseveral coverings being connected to each other in a suitable manner.The covering may also be designed as a single piece or it may comprisefurther parts, further coverings.

This description is not to be seen as a limitation of the invention. Itis to be seen as a guide to full understanding of the invention in allof its parts. It should be realised that other designs are also possiblethan those that have been described above and shown in the drawings, andparts are possible within the framework of the innovative conceptspecified in the attached claims.

1. A loader comprising two extended arms arranged parallel to eachother, one end of which can be connected to a vehicle and the other endof which can be connected to a tool, where at least one arm comprises aspace that runs along the arm in which tubes or cables are arranged thatmake it possible to transport at least one of electricity, hydraulicagent and pneumatic agent, from the vehicle to the various parts of theloader or the tool and from the various parts of the loader or the toolto the vehicle characterised in that the arm comprises a first armsection offering a first part of the space in which the tubes or cablesare arranged and that the first space part is formed by the first armsection and a beam element attached to each other.
 2. The loaderaccording to claim 1 in which the space is arranged inside of the arm.3. The loader according to claim 1 in which the beam element is incontact with the lower surface of the first arm section.
 4. The loaderaccording to claim 1 in which the beam element has an open cross-sectionsuch that the space is surrounded by and is limited by the beam elementand the first arm section.
 5. The loader according to claim 4 in whichthe beam element has essentially the shape of a “C” or a “U”.
 6. Theloader according to claim 1 in which a second arm section offers asecond part of the space in which the tubes are arranged.
 7. The loaderaccording to claim 6 in which the second arm section comprises a beamelement that forms the second part of the space.
 8. The loader accordingto claim 7 in which the second arm section comprises a beam element witha closed cross-section.
 9. The loader according to claim 1 in which anextended constructional part is arranged between the two arms andconnects the two arms to each other and provides stability to the loaderand where a valve housing is arranged at the constructional part towhich the tubes, after coming out from the arm are connected.
 10. Theloader according to claim 9 in which the tubes pass out from the armsthrough an opening directed towards the space behind the constructionalpart.
 11. The loader according to claim 10 in which the tubes follow therear surface of the constructional part to the valve housing.
 12. Theloader according to claim 9 in which at least one covering is arrangedover the tubes, parts of the constructional part and the valve housing.